10 Mistakes People Make Buying Video Game Gifts (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Buying for the wrong console

This is the big one. Games are made for specific machines, and the names are confusingly similar. A PlayStation 5 game won't run on a PlayStation 4. A Nintendo Switch 2 game won't run on the original Switch. "They have an Xbox" could mean three or four different machines.

The fix: Confirm the exact model before you buy. Our guide on how to find out what console someone has shows how to tell them apart at a glance and how to find out without spoiling the surprise.

2. Buying a disc for a console with no disc drive

Several current consoles can't play discs at all: the Xbox Series S, the all-white Xbox Series X Digital, the PS5 Digital Edition, and the PS5 Pro unless a separate disc drive was added. A boxed disc is useless on these machines.

The fix: If there's no slot on the front of the console, buy the digital version, a gift card, or send the game digitally. See how to gift a digital game.

3. Buying a game they already own

This happens far more now than it used to, because most people buy games digitally. There's no box on the shelf to remind you. They may also have the game through a subscription like Game Pass or PlayStation Plus.

The fix: Ask someone close to them, or check their wish list. If you can't confirm it, a gift card or a non-game gift avoids the problem entirely.

4. Going by the cover instead of the rating

Cartoon art doesn't mean a game is for young children, and a serious-looking cover doesn't mean it's violent. Some games with bright, friendly art have online chat with strangers or heavy in-game spending.

The fix: Read the rating and the descriptions underneath it. Our guide to ESRB ratings explains what every label means, including the lines about in-game purchases and online interaction.

5. Assuming the game is on the cartridge or disc

A growing number of boxed games don't contain the full game. On Nintendo Switch 2, many third-party games ship as Game-Key Cards: the cartridge holds a key that unlocks a download rather than the game itself. Some boxed games on other consoles contain only a download code. Either way, the person needs an internet connection and enough free storage to play.

The fix: Check the box or the product listing for wording like "Game-Key Card" or "download required." It's not a dealbreaker, but plan for the download, and don't expect to play it right away somewhere without good internet.

6. Forgetting that online play usually costs extra

If the main appeal of a game is playing online with friends, they may need the console's paid membership: PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass or Nintendo Switch Online. Many popular free-to-play games, like Fortnite, don't require it, but most paid games do for online play.

The fix: Ask whether they already have a membership. If not, a membership can be a great gift by itself. Our subscription vs. ownership guide explains the differences.

7. Buying a gift card for the wrong region (or from the wrong seller)

Console gift cards are generally tied to a country. A US card is meant for a US account. If you're buying for someone abroad, or someone whose account was set up in another country, a card from your local store may not redeem. Cheap codes from unofficial "key reseller" sites are another common trap, as some are resold or obtained fraudulently and can be revoked.

The fix: Buy cards from a major retailer in the same country as their account, and keep the receipt. And remember the golden rule: anyone who asks you to pay them with gift cards is running a scam.

8. Ignoring storage space

Big modern games can take up a large share of a console's built-in storage. A new game that won't install until they delete something else is a frustrating Christmas morning. The Switch 2 also needs a specific type of memory card, microSD Express, and older microSD cards won't work for storing games.

The fix: If they play a lot, a storage upgrade is a genuinely useful gift on its own. Our console storage guide explains exactly what each console takes.

9. Paying for a deluxe edition they don't need

Many games come in several editions: standard, deluxe, gold, ultimate. The extra money usually buys cosmetic items, early access or future add-ons. The game itself is the same.

The fix: Buy the standard edition unless they've specifically asked for something more. Our guide to deluxe editions and season passes explains when an upgrade is actually worth it.

10. Opening it, losing the receipt, or setting up too late

Many stores won't accept an opened game for a refund, and digital codes are usually non-refundable once revealed. And if you're giving a whole console, there's often a system update, account setup and large downloads to get through before anyone can play.

The fix: Ask for a gift receipt and leave the shrink-wrap on. Check which stores take games back. If it's a console, use our Christmas morning setup checklist to get it ready the night before.

All clear? Head back to the gift guide to pick by age or budget.

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